Regional Program of Action and Demonstration of Sustainable Alternatives to DDT for Malaria Vector Control in Mexico and Central America

During the last decade Mexico and Central American countries have gradually discontinued DDT sprayings for vector control. Malaria, however, still poses a serious risk for the population of these countries. This proposal aims to prevent reintroduction of DDT for malaria control by promoting new integrated vector control techniques and implementing a coordinated regional program to improve national capacities. Major project components will be: the implementation of demonstration projects of vector control without DDT or other persistent pesticides that can be replicable in other parts of the world and which are cost-effective, environmentally sound, and sustainable; the strengthening of national and local institutional capacity to control malaria without the use of DDT; and the elimination of DDT stockpiles in the eight participating countries.